Best Portable Induction Cooktop Burner | Duxtop 8100MC Review

5 months ago

How To Choose The Best Portable Induction Cooktop

Looking for the best portable induction cooktop? If you love to cook, then you probably understand the importance of top notch cookware. While it is quite simple to pick out cookware for your gas or electric stove top, you might not know where to start when it comes to induction cookware. And with the rising use of induction stove tops, you need to know how to pick the most suitable cookware.

Induction cookware uses a magnetic process to heat your pots and pans, and you can always determine whether a cookware piece is induction-ready by sticking a magnet to it- if it sticks it is induction-ready, if it falls off it cannot be used on an induction stove top. But what’s next after this?

That is where I come in, showing you everything you need to know about induction cookware. The buying guide below will make it easier for you to pick out the right induction cookware based on your cooking style, so that you can have a great cooking performance each and every time.

When selecting induction cookware, you will be faced with a myriad of types, designs, and construction options. Below is a buying guide that will help you navigate all of the available options.

Material

When it comes to the material of your induction cookware, you need to go with a ferromagnetic material or one which contains iron. Your top choices will be stainless steel (with an iron base or core), cast iron, aluminum (with an iron base or core), and enameled steel. You will not find induction cookware that uses copper, glass or plain aluminum.

Each of the materials has its own benefits. Firstly, we have stainless steel, which has become a popular induction cookware choice because of its strength, rigidity, and non-corrosive properties. However, it is not an efficient heat conductor, and it is therefore layered with aluminum for great cooking performance.

You also have the option of cast iron induction cookware, which is extremely durable for long lasting cooking performance. This cookware also allows for even heat distribution at low temperatures, however, it will take long to heat up and cool down because of its heavy base. Some cast iron cookware will also come with an enameled cast iron base for rust prevention. You should also know that cast iron tends to be the most expensive option.

Lastly, we have aluminum induction cookware. Aluminum is known for its excellent conduction abilities, and its great heat retention. Aluminum is also lightweight, inexpensive, and resistant to rust, however, it is not compatible with induction stovetops.

That is why aluminum cookware is supplemented with a stainless steel base plate, so that you can use it as an induction cookware piece.

Cooking Style

The next thing you need to consider before choosing your induction cookware is what their purpose will be. If you are looking to cook delicate meals and slow cook meals, you need to find pots and pans with heavy bases such as cast iron or aluminum cookware. This will give you the even heating that you are looking for.

On the other hand if you are a fast cook looking to boil or steam food, then you will need a thin stainless steel layered base. This is because stainless steel heats up quickly and adjusts to temperature changes swiftly.

Budget

Induction cookware costs anywhere between $30 and $300, though you will still find cookware pieces which fall below or above this range. You should therefore consider your budget before you make your shopping decisions. You can also look at buying a cookware set, as this allows you to get all the necessary pieces at one time. A good induction cookware set usually costs $250+.

Capacity

Another thing that you need to consider before choosing your induction cookware is what capacity you need. If you have a small family, then small capacity cookware pieces are good for you. However, if you like to cook for many, then large capacity cookware is good for you.

Your skillets should be 8-12 inches, your saute pan should be 8-10 inches, your sauce pan should be 2-4 quartz, your Dutch oven should be 7 quartz, and your stock pot should be 8-12 quartz. Always ensure that you have a wide variety of pieces so that you can cook a wide variety of meals.

Lids and Handles

The lids and handles of your induction cookware are also very important. When choosing a lid go with a glass lid, so that you can monitor your cooking without letting steam escape. Also go with shatter resistant construction, which increases the safety properties of the lid.

Additionally, go with a handle that has been solidly welded into place, so that you can safely move the cookware from one place to another. Most handles are made with cast stainless steel, tubular stainless steel, silicone, or heat-resistant plastic. My favorite option is a riveted silicone handle, as it is strong, cool to touch, dishwasher safe, and oven safe.

Ease of Use

The induction cookware that you use should be very simple to operate, as no one wants to be frustrated as they try to cook. Look for a simple design and structure, which is easy, efficient, and safe to use. Also make sure that your cookware is simple to clean, so that you are not left scrubbing the cookware after you are done cooking.

Brand

Last but not least, you should always ensure that the cookware you choose has been constructed to the highest quality possible. There are a few brands that you can always rely on to manufacture quality induction cookware, and these include Cuisinart, Circulon, Anolon, Chasseur, Baccarat, Jamie, Essteele, KitchenAid, Oliver, Raco, Silit, Scanpan, and Tefal.

Conclusion

If you are on the hunt for induction cookware, then this guide above will lead you in the right direction. Use the information provided to help you decide which cookware is best for you cooking needs. Good luck to you!

This feature rich countertop burner promises to take your cooking to the next level, so that you can easily whip up a delicious meal without using your stovetop. I know you are interested in knowing more about this induction cooktop, and that is why we will review it below.

Who is it made for?

The 8100mc is a versatile cooktop, which can be used when you are entertaining guests. This stylish cooktop is great for your dining room, outdoor cooking space, kitchen, small apartment, student dorm, boat, and even your camper.

Features of the Duxtop 8100MC Cooktop Countertop Burner:

Quality Design

The Duxtop 8100mc is an elegantly designed induction cooktop that screams of quality. The first thing you will notice is the digital control panel, which is user friendly. There is also an inbuilt countdown timer which can be programmed up to 170 minutes, for your cooking convenience. When it comes to the cooking functions of the induction cooktop, you will find 10 power levels and 10 temperature options ranging from 140F to 460F.

Auto Pan Detection

Safety should be a priority when it comes to your induction cooktop, and that is why Duxtop has outfitted the 8100mc with auto-pan detection. This safety feature will automatically shut off the cooktop after 60 seconds if no cookware is being used. This extended duration means that you can drain or flip your cookware without worrying that the cooktop will turn off.

Easy to Use

Your cookware should always be easy to use; otherwise you will be left frustrated. When it comes to the Duxtop 8100mc, you will be happy to know that the cooktop automatically adjusts to the size of your cookware base. This ensures that energy is not wasted heating up a big area when only a small pan is being used. The cooktop is therefore fast, efficient, safe, and easy to use.

Convenient

Convenience should also be a priority when selecting your induction cooktop. That is why the Duxtop 8100mc has been designed to be easy to install and even easier to use. Cleaning only requires a damp cloth, which is another convenient feature. The lightweight, compact, and easy to handle cooktop is also easy to move around, meaning that you can take it with you when you travel.

Pros

Works efficiently

Heats up quickly

The unit stays warm when it is on; only the pot gets hot

Stable

Range of cooking temperatures

Quieter than most microwaves

Cons

Concentrates heat in the center of the pan

Will take some time for you to get a hang of how it works

Features at a Glance:

Lightweight and compact for easy

Digital control panel

Low and high voltage warning system

Frequently Asked Questions

How big of a pot can you put on the Duxtop countertop burner? This cooking top measures 10.5-inches by 10.5-inches, while the burner is an 8-inch diameter circle. You can use pots up to 12-inches; however, you should know that a pot/skillet of this size will extend over the control panel. I would therefore advise you to go with a pot/skillet that is 10-inches and less.

Will the oil maintain an accurate temperature when you are deep frying food? Yes. The cooktop is precise, and once you have achieved the temperature you desireyour oil will maintain that temperature.

Does the induction cooktop make a buzzing sound? Yes, clad cookware makes a high pitched noise when being used. This is normal, and should not worry you.

P.S. The Duxtop 1800 is much quieter than most induction cooktops, so you don’t have to worry about the noise produce by the clad cookware that you use.

Conclusion

While the Duxtop 8100mc does take some getting used to, it is a safe and efficient induction cooktop that can be used for a variety of cooking situations. So if you are looking for a versatile induction cooktop, I would definitely recommend the 8100mc.